5 Things You Should Never Do to Your Hardwood Floors
Tips to Avoid Hardwood Flooring Damage
One of the most important aspects of beautiful hardwood floors is maintenance. Without proper upkeep, your hardwood floors may get scratched and damaged. Bryan Flooring provides hardwood floor maintenance tips in Des Moines, IA. We’ll help you understand the top five things you should never do to your hardwood floors. Our team is always here to help you better understand your flooring. Contact us today to learn more about the maintenance of hardwood floors.
Use Aggressive Cleaning Agents
Unlike other artificial flooring, harsh cleaning chemicals can significantly damage hardwood floors. Cleaning your hardwood floors with too much of any cleaning agent can lead to warped wood and a shorter lifespan. Some of the common products to avoid when cleaning your hardwood floors include:
Vinegar
Applying vinegar or any vinegar-based cleaner can make your floor look dull and uneven. Vinegar strips away the finish of the hardwood, removing the dazzling shine. We recommend choosing a pH-neutral cleaner.
Bleach
Even more harmful than vinegar, bleach can deteriorate the core of the floor and discolor the wood. Bleach is a challenging cleaning product because it negatively interacts with many other cleaning products. Always read labels when using bleach to clean any flooring.
Abrasive Brushes
Hard and coarse brushes can scrape off or harm your hardwood floor’s finish, leaving the wood unprotected. We advise using a soft rag or microfiber towel for a gentle clean.
Wear High-Heeled Shoes
High-heeled shoes and hardwood floors don’t mix. The sharp heels of high-heeled shoes can cause dents or scratches on your hardwood floors. Slipping your high-heeled shoes off is important before walking around your hardwood floors.
Furniture Risks
Don’t overlook the fact that furniture can heavily damage your hardwood floors. While it’s inevitable to place some furniture on your hardwood, it’s important to take action to protect your flooring. Some of the most significant things you should be cautious of include:
Rolling Furniture
Rolling furniture, including cabinets, chairs, or carts, is a no-no for hardwood floors. If unavoidable, invest in specific rolling casters designed to minimize impact.
Furniture Legs
The sheer weight of your furniture can cause wear and tear of your hardwood floor over time. Use furniture pads and rugs to shield your floor from the legs of your furniture.
Moving Furniture
Moving your furniture by dragging it may be tempting on hardwood floors, but it can damage the finish or even the surface of the wood.
Damage Caused by Pets
Pets are lovable, but the harm they can do to your hardwood floors is significant. Some of the most common ways pets can damage your hardwood floors include:
Long Claws
Long, untrimmed claws can cause scratches on the surface of your hardwood floors. Avoid this by regularly trimming your pet’s nails.
Accidents
Pet stains can ruin numerous flooring types, so cleaning up any pet accidents immediately is essential. We do not advise using training pads on hardwood floors.
Neglecting Your Hardwood Floors
Hardwood floor care and maintenance are essential for the health of your flooring. Some of the best ways to keep your hardwood floors in pristine condition for a long time include:
Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is necessary to keep hardwood floors looking fresh and shiny. Neglecting this can make them look grimy.
Re-Polishing
Hardwood floors should be re-polished every 10–15 years. Failing to do so can expose the wood and may lead to irreversible harm.
Reliable Family-Owned Flooring Company
Bryan Flooring is your trusted family-owned flooring company. Our comprehensive flooring solutions ensure you get the flooring you love. We’re always here to help you understand the best ways to care for your floors. Hardwood floors are a gorgeous and lifelong investment. We want to help you get the most out of their beauty and functionality. Our team strives to offer the highest level of quality services, including demolition, delivery, and installation of your flooring.
Contact Us for Hardwood Floor Maintenance Tips
Bryan Flooring offers solid and engineered hardwood flooring to fit your unique needs. We can help you find the best flooring for your environment. We’re always here to answer questions about our hardwood floor maintenance tips. We strive to ensure your flooring stays in optimal shape through regular maintenance and careful cleaning. Contact us today to learn more about our hardwood flooring services.